The Silk Exchange
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Port
Valencia, Spain
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$140
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Come discover this mesmerizing city and its long and profitable connection with silk. You will get acquainted with the past, present, and future of Valencian silk and the most relevant items of this millenary craftwork in the stunning Old Town.
Visit the old seat of the Higher Art of Silk-Making Authority, established in 1477 to set rules and standards of quality for the Valencian silk makers of the day. This 15th-century building, renovated in the 18th century, now hosts an attractive museum expounding on the history of silk in Valencia and the process of hand-weaving this textile. The rich artistic heritage of the building itself is a bonus.
Take a short walk through the Barri de Velluters neighborhood, where velvet-makers set up shop in 1465. These costumes represent the richest heritage of this old art and are used during Fallas -- the most important festival held in Valencia.
Across the street, view Central Market -- an early 20th-century building covering 26,000 square feet and hosting 400 stalls specializing in fresh produce.
Finally, you will visit the Silk Exchange building -- the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city and a masterpiece of Mediterranean civil Gothic architecture. This jaw-dropping complex, containing a forest of helicoidal columns, was built between 1483 to 1548 to facilitate the trade of rich silk fabrics made in Valencia. It attracted merchants from all over Europe and, today, it charms and awes you.
Stop at a well-known horchateria, a café that serves up a frosty, delicious horchata beverage.
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes. Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience.